Hydrostatic vs Non

[JerryK]

I've run HST's for years and never had a pump starve of fluid because of operating on a slope. If you worry about this, you should also worry about the engine oil pump starving of oil on a simular slope. I worked [ back when I worked ] with a fellow electrician that burnt up a JD left idling on a slope years ago. Also, if the HST was starving, the FEL/3pt operation would probably be effected, too. I don't ever remember that happening, either... So, you can probably mark that off your HST minus side of the list....

 

[Bluegill2]

The problem with the whole hydro vs gear argument is hydro vs what gear type. Power Shuttle has all the advantages of gear and tge advantages of HST, but is nearly as much money as HST, and seems to be limited to ~35+hp tractors. When people say hydro only.for loader, they often are thinking that the only gear tractors are the plain "clutch and hunt for gear" types.

Well said...

 

[Gary Fowler]

My two cents worth if even that is I love my HST for FEL work but I prefer my gear drive for mowing since I don't do a lot of backing up. I understand that some HST have cruise control (mine doesn't) and that might be ok for long stretches of constant speed work. Yes there is a bit of extra oil changing and filters that in the long run is not that significant of an outlay ($400 for 50 hour service as most folks report) that isn't required on gear. If you are buying used and that has been done, then not a lot of difference in scheduled maintenance. I have one gear drive and one HST and my go to tractor is the one with HST because of its easy operation and smaller size. Even though the HST B26 doesn't have a cab not AC, I do most of my work with it except mowing the pasture which is only a twice yearly exercise and the occasional heavy lift job that is best done with the larger tractor. I no longer have the constant need for the larger HP like I did when I first bought my place so now I may burn 1 tank of fuel (25 gallons) per year whereas I will burn 4 times that with my little B26.
If I had to buy again, it would definitely be the HST transmission including the whining transmission which I don't find that an issue and loss of 5% power is not an issue either as I rarely use the full engine HP anyway. If it spins the tires (all 4) then I don't need any more engine HP and my HST will do that in all but High range. One thing beginners need to know about HST is that less extension of the foot pedal=slower speed but more power. You have to get out of the pedal to the metal mindset when using HST. Backing off the HST pedal and plenty of throttle WILL slow your travel speed but allow you to climb that hill in high range without down shifting.
A bit off topic, but many folks here on TBN have complained about their HST stalling on hills and keeping the pedal to the medal is what is causing their problem, just backing off the pedal is the solution. I learned this with my Kubota RTV 900 long before I got my B26 HST and they both work basically the same way.

 

[b3wizzard]

The common dilemma of a hydrostatic vs. manual transmission on a hilly three acre field, is one that the more I research,
the more confused I become. I have a John Deere D110 that's about two years old. After about thirty minutes it won't climb
the hills, and literally flies down the hills. I don't know if I can make it through another mowing season; and hesitate to spend
two grand or more on another hydro. Please advise.

 

[jeff9366]

When did you last change out the HST filter? I write date of change on cartridge with a China marking wax pencil.

 

[k0ua]

The common dilemma of a hydrostatic vs. manual transmission on a hilly three acre field, is one that the more I research,
the more confused I become. I have a John Deere D110 that's about two years old. After about thirty minutes it won't climb
the hills, and literally flies down the hills. I don't know if I can make it through another mowing season; and hesitate to spend
two grand or more on another hydro. Please advise.

Ah yes, the old tuff torque non serviceable hydro problem. you will want to read this thread and plan your path. Good luck.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/164892-tufftorq-k46-repair-guide-pictures.html

 

[wolc123]

As far as the advantages of a hydro over a gear, think of the letter "L": 1), Loader work, 2) Lawn-mowing, 3) Landscaping, 4) Lazy folks, 5) Ladies. If you and your usage falls mainly into these areas, then the hydro is best for you, otherwise, take advantage of the 6-15% more horsepower, and lower purchase and maintenance cost of the gear transmission.

 

[Normal Bill]

This may sound stupid but the reason I like standard is because of my height. My long legs are always being jammed into vehicles that don't have sufficient leg-room. Car, truck whatever - my legs are always stuck in this bent position between the back of the seat and the gas pedal.
It's nice to shift into a gear and just put my feet flat on the floor for a while.

 

[GManBart]

This may sound stupid but the reason I like standard is because of my height. My long legs are always being jammed into vehicles that don't have sufficient leg-room. Car, truck whatever - my legs are always stuck in this bent position between the back of the seat and the gas pedal.
It's nice to shift into a gear and just put my feet flat on the floor for a while.

That's what they make cruise control for

 

[chuck172]

I don't like hydro transmissions at all!

But that doesn't mean they are bad. Both types are good!

"shuttle shift" is forward/reverse without clutching, otherwise a gear drive and a good choice.

Buy what ya like.

With a gear drive when you shuttle forward to reverse, don't you have to come to a stop and step on the clutch?